Name: Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; warm pita bread; sliced tomatoes; sliced red onion; shredded lettuce; crumbled feta cheese; tzatziki sauce

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If you’re ready to be swept off to the sunny coasts of the Mediterranean, look no further than these Greek Chicken Gyros. They’re packed with flavorful grilled chicken, cool and creamy tzatziki, crisp veggies, and tangy feta, all nestled inside warm, pillowy pita bread. Every bite is a little celebration of bold spices and fresh flavors, perfect for lively gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. Trust me, once you try making homemade Greek Chicken Gyros, you’ll never want to settle for takeout again!

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe thrives on straightforward, real ingredients that each play a special role in building the flavor layers and irresistible texture of Greek Chicken Gyros. Don’t skip the little things—each item brings its own magic to the final dish!

Chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ pounds): Thighs offer extra juiciness, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat. Cut them evenly for the perfect char.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): This is the foundation of the marinade, making the chicken super tender and adding gorgeous flavor.
Plain Greek yogurt (3 tablespoons): Adds a gentle tang and makes the chicken incredibly moist when grilled.
Lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Brightens up the whole dish and balances out all those vibrant spices.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Gives your gyros a deep, aromatic kick—fresh is best!
Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): A splash transforms the marinade with just the right acidity.
Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): Classic Greek herb vibes—essential for authentic flavor.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings everything together and helps deepen all the savory notes.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Just enough for a gentle background heat.
For serving – Warm pita bread: Soft, chewy pitas are the perfect gyro vehicle.
Sliced tomatoes: Their juicy freshness cuts through rich flavors beautifully.
Sliced red onion: Adds a sharp, colorful crunch to every bite.
Shredded lettuce: Keeps things crisp, light, and extra satisfying.
Crumbled feta cheese: A little tang and saltiness make the whole gyro sing.
Tzatziki sauce: The ultimate gyro condiment—cool, creamy, and utterly addictive.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add your chicken and gently turn until every piece is generously coated. Cover, then pop the whole thing in the fridge to marinate—at least an hour is great, overnight is even better! This step is where Greek Chicken Gyros get their unforgettable flavor.

Step 2: Grill to Perfection

Heat up your grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and set it onto the hot grill. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and gets that irresistible, lightly charred surface. Don’t rush—this is where the flavor locks in!

Step 3: Rest and Slice

When your chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board. This short wait helps keep it juicy. Then slice thinly across the grain—perfect for fitting into pita bread and making every bite as tender as possible.

Step 4: Warm the Pita and Prep the Fillings

While the chicken is resting, warm your pita bread in the oven or a dry skillet for a minute or two—just enough to make them soft and pliable. Prepare your sliced tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, crumbly feta, and dreamy tzatziki so everything is ready for assembly.

Step 5: Assemble Your Greek Chicken Gyros

Lay out the warm pita, add a generous mound of sliced chicken, and top with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and feta. Don’t be shy with the tzatziki! If you’re like me, you’ll want an extra spoonful for dipping. Roll, fold, or eat open-faced—every way is sensational.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros

Garnishes

Give your Greek Chicken Gyros a restaurant-style finishing touch with plenty of garnishes. A fresh scatter of dill or parsley, extra crumbled feta, a sprinkle of sumac, or even a few Kalamata olives take things to the next level. Don’t forget a final dollop of tzatziki—it’s the ultimate cool contrast to the grilled chicken.

Side Dishes

To make your meal truly memorable, pair your gyros with a handful of classic Mediterranean sides: crisp Greek salad, lemony roasted potatoes, pita chips, or even a bowl of marinated olives. These sides round things out without stealing the spotlight from your Greek Chicken Gyros.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving a crowd? Set up a build-your-own gyro bar with stacked warm pitas, cut veggies, and all the fun toppings in little bowls. Or, slice the chicken and serve gyro-style nachos layered over pita chips. You can even make mini gyros with small flatbreads for perfect party bites—your guests will be delighted!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra chicken (lucky you!), keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays juicy and flavorful for up to four days, making it ideal for quick lunches or speedy dinners.

Freezing

Greek Chicken Gyros chicken freezes beautifully! Slice before freezing, then store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Just remember, fresh toppings and pita are best added after reheating!

Reheating

To keep the chicken moist, reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water. Avoid overheating—the goal is juicy, succulent gyro meat, not dryness! Assemble the gyros fresh once everything is piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Greek Chicken Gyros?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are a bit juicier, breasts work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be careful not to overcook them—slice a little thinner and keep a close eye on the grill for best results.

Is it possible to make these gyros without a grill?

Yes, you can cook the marinated chicken in a skillet or even bake it in the oven. The grill adds smokiness, but a hot pan will still give you a delicious crust and plenty of flavor for your Greek Chicken Gyros.

What other toppings can I add to my gyros?

Feel free to get creative—pickled vegetables, roasted peppers, sliced cucumbers, or even a handful of arugula all taste fantastic. The beauty of Greek Chicken Gyros is that they welcome almost any of your favorite fresh toppings.

Can I make the chicken ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! Greek Chicken Gyros are perfect for meal prep since the chicken holds up so well in the fridge. Cook and slice the chicken in advance, then reheat right before assembling your gyros for an effortless homemade meal.

What’s the best way to warm pita bread?

For perfectly soft pitas, warm them briefly in a dry skillet for about a minute per side or wrap in foil and heat in a low oven. You want them warm and supple, not crispy, so they fold easily around all those delicious gyro fillings.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Greek Chicken Gyros are a true treat—delicious, colorful, and meant to be shared. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just craving takeout-style comfort at home, these gyros never disappoint. Give them a try and let your kitchen fill with the scents and flavors of Greece—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and flavorful meal featuring marinated grilled chicken wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and tangy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For serving:

warm pita bread
sliced tomatoes
sliced red onion
shredded lettuce
crumbled feta cheese
tzatziki sauce

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet. Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest, then slice thinly.
Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita bread and fill with sliced chicken, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, feta, and tzatziki sauce. Serve hot.